Tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Clippers (35-18) fans will be treated to the return of point guard Chris Paul, who has missed 18 games with a separated shoulder. They will host the Philadelphia 76ers (15-36) in action that can be live streamed here; 76ers fans can find the radio broadcast on 97.5 The Fantastic, while Clips fans can hear the action on KFWB 980 AM.
While Paul's 11.2 assists per game and on-court leadership will absolutely be welcomed back into the fold, his absence allowed Blake Griffin to spread his wings as the No. 1.
"I expected greatness, but Blake's done some things we didn't know he could do," coach Doc Rivers said. "Clearly, we're taking advantage of him in the open court with the ball. And he'll be even better when Chris comes back." In Paul's absence Griffin has scored 27.5 points a night on 55 percent shooting, while giving the Clippers 4.3 assists per game, almost a full assist more than his career average.
Still, Rivers is plenty happy to have his All-Star point guard back, especially for when they square off with elite clubs. "We've had a nice run, but let's be honest, against the good teams we haven't without Chris, so (getting him back) helps," Rivers said.
The optimism is tempered just a bit by his potential for rustiness, having missed more than a month of action. "I think it's going to take time for Chris to get his rhythm back," Rivers said. "So, that's way I'm hoping he is healthy and we can play him Sunday, have a practice Tuesday and play him Wednesday."
Paul's return is not such happy news for Philadelphia, which boasts the league's worst defense in terms of points allowed per game (110). With rookie point guard Michael Carter-Willams battling knee soreness, Evan Turner will be asked once again to carry the load.
Despite Philly's struggles, Turner has had his best season, averaging a career-best 17.8 points per game along with six rebounds and 3.8 assists.
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